MPA endorses Network Volunteer Scheme

92/02
13 September 2002

Speaking at a conference held at New Scotland Yard this morning R.David Muir, Deputy Chair of the MPA, said:

“The MPA welcomes the work of the Network Volunteer Scheme which aims to increase representation of all London’s communities in the Met’s police and civilian staff.

“Policing can only be successful if it is carried out in partnership with the community and we are determined to promote recruitment from minority ethnic backgrounds so that the Met can truly reflect the great diversity of our city.

“Recruitment into the Met is at record numbers at the moment but there are still too few people coming forward from minority communities. The participants in the Scheme will visit schools, recruitment fairs and youth centres as well as supervising work place visits and work experience for students. Work Shadowing is another important way of showing prospective recruits what the Met is really like. The aim is to open up the Met to communities and help change attitudes and beliefs about equality of opportunities.

“We must find ways to better inform minority communities that the Met is a leading employer, offering good wages and a wide range of career opportunities.”

The lead for the scheme will come from the Met’s Borough Commands where contact with local communities is at its strongest. All Volunteers will be fully trained and the Positive Action Team, part of the Human Resources Directorate, will monitor and evaluate all the initiatives.

David Muir concluded:

“The aim of the scheme is to increase the number of ethnic minority officers in the Met and increase the trust and confidence of those communities in our police service. Borough policing is at the very core of the Met and therefore is central to the success of the project.

“Working together we can make a difference and make London a safer city for us all.” 

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